Bell Sleeves Archives | More to Mrs. E

Spring in Technicolor: Vibrant Yellow Kimono

April 29, 2019 by Virginia 22 Comments

teacher fashionista_vibrant yellow kimono_floral kimono_spring style_cute teacher outfit_skinny jeans denim_cognac — BACKPACK

The spring weather has finally hit New England and last Wednesday it was legitimately warm. The grass and flowers are soaking up the sun and the entire world is bursting forth in color, sortof like this vibrant yellow kimono. I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when the movie-makers hit the Technicolor switch! Color is slowly turning this wintry, monochrome world into a beautiful spring wonderland. One of my favorite parts of driving to work in the morning now is to look at the yellow forsythia popping out against the lush green grass. You could say that the forsythia inspired these photos!

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Return of the Teacher “Maxxinista”

Last Monday I had a day off and wandered into TJMaxx. It’s funny how blogging can affect you sometimes. I’m so frequently shopping online that I haven’t stepped into a TJMaxx in forever. I felt a little guilty thinking about it because, from the beginning, TJMaxx has been one of my favorite places to shop because I can always find quality and trendy items at affordable prices. And yet, I’ve stopped shopping there because I can’t always link what I find! Shame on me!

teacher outfit_spring teacher style_ yellow floral kimono_skinny jeans from JCP_TJMaxx_Maxinista

I had a good “return to my first love” this Monday. (For a run-down of what I love about TJMaxx check out my Top 5 Places to Shop for Teacher Clothes). Thankfully, I only walked out with a pair of shoes and a kimono (well…also these gummy worms. If you haven’t tried them…you should.)

teacher outfit_vibrant yellow kimono_skinny jeans_cognac backpack_spring style_TJMaxx_Maxinista

Vibrant Yellows and Greens

The colors on this vibrant yellow kimono make me jump with joy. When I did my anniversary round-up I was sad to realize that I’ve lost a lot of the bright colors in my wardrobe. This is my first step back into the technicolor world! I’ve been wanting a long-sleeve kimono for awhile now and just haven’t found the right one until now. The length is perfect, yellow and pink are two of my favorite colors, and I love how the sleeves are cut away so that I can wear it on cool summer nights as well!

So, when Jeremy got off work early and the sun was shining, I knew I needed to get some pictures of this casual spring outfit. I’ve been waiting for the right weather to shoot an outfit in the park by our house and, thinking of the bright forsythia against the green grass, knew that this vibrant yellow kimono was the right one.

yellow floral kimono_spring style_magnolia blossoms_teacher fashion

The trees were blooming, the sun was shining and I seriously had to resist frolicking in the park. It reminded me how important it is to do little things like take a walk in the park. Just being outside on a gorgeous day enjoying the technicolor of God’s creation in the Spring can fill your heart with joy! (Plus, the Vitamin D can’t hurt!)

yellow floral kimono_sugarfix by baublebar earrings_statement earrings_fushia earrings_teacher fashion — EARRINGS

Get the Look:

pink and yellow kimono_spring teacher style_cute teacher outfit_casual style_TJMaxx_teacher Maxinista

I can link very few of the items in this outfit but I show you anyway because maybe it will either 1) inspire you to try some color 2) inspire you to try TJMaxx again or 3) inspire you to try a kimono.

It’s all about inspiration this week! Plus, I will do my best to link similar options. There are actually a ton of bright yellow kimonos out there right now so I will link a whole bunch of those too!

TJMaxx vibrant yellow kimono_casual style_teacher fashion_teacher style_causal spring outfit_floral

In Stock Still: Cognac Backpack || Statement Earrings (under $15!)|| Jord Watch (c/o see here) || Lipstick (I wear this EVERY day)

No/Limited Stock: The shoes are 4 years ago. Similar HERE and HERE || The thermal henley (great buy) was from Walmart in the fall. They only have a few left in-store. || The skinny jeggings were a Black Friday purchase. Similar HERE.

That’s it for this week! I hope your week is wonderful and that you are able to enjoy some time outdoors!

-Virginia

Pastel Pants and White Ruffle Sleeve Peplum Top

April 1, 2019 by Virginia 29 Comments

When springtime rolls around each year, you can find me pulling out my pastel pants. Working in a professional environment can make you get sick of “work clothes.” Black slacks are a staple all through the winter but as the sun starts to rise earlier in the morning and as the flowers start to bloom, my thoughts turn to color! This outfit of pastel pants paired with a decorative white top is an easy way to embrace color in the spring without having to think hard about how to do it.

smocked top_pastel pants_white peplum top_ruffle sleeves_cute teacher outfit_spring style_chloe sunglasses dupe

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click/make a purchase through the link, I will make a small commission that goes towards keeping this blog running. For more information, please see my Privacy Policy and thank you for helping me be able to keep this blog afloat!

Colored Work Pants

I haven’t always loved colored work pants, but they sure do make an easy spring work outfit. Mix and match them with the basics in your closet and you have endless outfit combinations.

pastel pants_work pants_white peplum top_white smocked top_teacher fashion_work outfit_cute teacher outfit_spring style

I always recommend pairing solid colors with pattern or texture. Example: light pink pants with a floral top. Or, light pink pants with a striped cardigan, etc. Then switch those light pink pants for olive pants, for coral pants, etc. In this outfit, I chose another solid color up top but the texture makes it seem more patterned, and that adds interest.

pastel pants_work pants_white peplum top_smocked top_ruffle sleeves_teacher fashion_cute teacher outfit_spring work outfit_spring style

These pants are from H&M last spring, but I’ve linked some similar in stock now in the widget below. I find them to be such a perfect color for spring.

Amazon Favorites Styled

work pants_light blue pants_work pants_white peplum top_smocked top_cute teacher outfit_ruffle sleeves_teacher fashion_spring fashion

You may remember this top and these earrings from my Amazon Haul last week. If not, definitely make sure to check it out! There were so many good finds!

This smocked ruffle sleeve peplum top is tied for my top favorite from the Amazon Haul (the other is the yellow polka dot skirt). The smocked detail makes a beautiful texture and gives it a flattering fit. The ruffles add a little more interest. I just can’t stop wearing it. I think it’s so elegant!

We all need something easy for work in the morning and there’s just something about a great blouse that needs little accessorizing. This top is one of those.

I love the look of a high-neck blouse with statement earrings. They draw the eye up and away and balance out the high neckline. A necklace isn’t necessary (and I hardly ever wear one with a high-neck top) and a good pair of earrings is all you need. That’s yet another reason why an outfit like this is such an easy combination to keep in mind early in the morning.

white peplum top_smocked top_ruffle sleeves_cute teacher outfit_teacher fashion_affordable statement earrings_spring style

These earrings are such a steal and I have gotten numerous compliments on them. Each time I say, “Amazon! Under $10!” They come in so many colors and would be awesome for summer too!

Get the Look:

light blue pastel pants_work pants_white peplum top_white smocked blouse_ruffle sleeves_bishop sleeves_teacher fashion_cute teacher outfit_spring style

Smocked Peplum Top (comes in 5 colors, more about sizing etc HERE) || Similar Blue Pastel Pants (more in widget above) || Favorite Basic Tank || Similar Nude Pumps || Beaded Drop Earrings || Similar Nude Quilted Crossbody ||Chloe-like Sunglasses (check out the coupon codes too for an extra pair!)|| Similar Turquoise Statement Ring || MK Watch || Milani Amore Matte Lipstick in Pretty

Thanks so much for stopping by! What are your favorite pastel colors for spring?

~Virginia

Favorite Outfits of 2018

January 7, 2019 by Virginia 18 Comments

favorite outftis of 2018_casual style_work style_teacher style

As a blogger, I find looking back over the past year of outfits a very encouraging thing. It’s fun to see how my style has evolved and to remember how excited I was when I came up with an outfit combo or to realize, in looking back, how often I now copy the same outfit formula. It’s helpful for me to look back over my favorite outfits of 2018 and I hope it will also be helpful for you.

As I shared in my last post, 2018 was a year of big changes for me. (Thank you so much for all the kind comments on that post…it’s hard to be vulnerable that way but you all met my feelings of failure and struggle with compassion and understanding, for which I’m truly grateful.) In April 2018 I succumbed to my teaching over-exhaustion and gave up on the blog. At that time I wasn’t sure if I would ever pick it back up again. I continually tell new teachers to make time for the other things you love because a happy, balanced teacher is a better teacher. But, we all get into situations where it seems like there is no way out. I ignored my own advice about keeping balance because I was so darn exhausted. Ultimately, my way out was to leave teaching and finally, in August 2018 I had the head-space and desire to pick up blogging again.

The crazy thing in looking back is that what I remember about last winter and spring is how my exhaustion killed my creativity, but many of my favorite outfits from 2018 came during that time! I still re-wear many of them!

And so, without further ado…here are my six favorite outfits from 2018.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click and/or make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you! It helps keep my blog up and running, so thanks! See my Privacy Policy for more details.

Number 6: Leopard Shirt dress and Leather

cute teacher outfit_leopard print dress and leather_Leopard shirt dress_studded mid-heels_valentino dupe_statement necklace_work outfit — Leopard Shirt dress | Similar Leather Moto Jacket | Similar Studded Pumps

I was so excited to find this leopard shirt dress at such an affordable price and loved how it paired with my leather moto jacket!

Original post HERE

Number 5: Black, White and Orange

shein fall favorites-orange-coat-with-gold-buttons-tie-neck-striped-top-work-outfit-inspiration — Orange Coat | Bow Blouse | Leopard Pumps

This was my absolute favorite work outfit of the year. I love how the white edged blouse pairs with the white ankle pants. The orange coat is the perfect affordable pop of color and my leopard pumps make every outfit fab!

Original post HERE

Number 4: Over-the-knee Boots at Work

Spring Floral top_white skinny jeans_over-the-knee boots for work_Steve Madden Osana Boot_teacher fashion_teacher outfits — Similar Floral Blouse | Similar Taupe Over-the-knee Boots

Ah yes, this was when I finally found my perfect pair of OTK boots and was bold enough to wear them to school! You too can wear OTK boots to work!

Original post HERE

Number 3: Crop Top for Work

Layer Crop top for work_stripe trumpet sleeve_teacher style_orange pencil skirt

…when I learned that layering a crop top over a longer top can make it appropriate for work!

Original post HERE

Number 2: Layering a Blouse Over a Dress

creative valentine's day outfit_pink bow top chicwish_lace dress — Lace Dress | Pink Bow Top

…When I found one MORE way to wear my favorite lace dress by turning it into a skirt for Valentine’s Day!

Original post HERE

Number 1: White Skinny Jeans for Work

white skinny jean teacher outfit_long caridan_leopard pumps_teacher style blogger_cute teacher outfits — Similar Olive Cardigan |Similar Leopard Pump

This has got to be my absolute favorite, most-copied work outfit ever. It’s amazing how easy it is to change up this outfit combo.

The monotone white base allows for infinite outfit combinations. Change out the heels or the cardigan and you have a slightly different outfit. It makes sense that this is also my most popular post from last year.

Original post HERE

Reflecting on my favorite outfits of 2018

Here is what I realized when I looked back at my 2018 favorites:

My obsession with leopard print is no joke, lol! Half of the outfits above include some form of leopard print.
Layering pieces gives them new life! (I layered the crop top over a collared shirt and the pink bow top over a lace dress and totally expanded the ways I could wear those pieces!)
Shein has become one of my favorite retailers. Four of the six outfits above include pieces from Shein and many of the outfits that didn’t make the cut also included Shein pieces. Their shipping has gotten quicker, exchanges easier and products better quality.
I really like a white base, either skinny jeans or a white skirt.

It was so fun for me to look back over at my 2018 style! As you reflect back over your style this year, what do you see? Is there an item (like my leopard pumps) that you just wanted to wear over and over again? Do you notice that you’re drawn to certain colors? I’d love for you to share your own style reflections from 2018 below!

(And if you’re interested in last year’s top five outfits, go HERE!)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Virginia